The Black Cats are yet to win a game this season and currently occupy 19th position, only avoiding bottom spot due to goal difference.

Their first-half performance against West Ham was promising, with Steven Fletcher and Jeremain Lens giving them a two-goal advantage, but the second-half collapse was an all-too-familiar story.

Dick Advocaat was relieved of his duties shortly after the game and the board will now hope a new manager brings about a fresh injection of optimism around the Stadium of Light.

Gary Neville remains unconvinced however, and made his feelings on the squad clear on Sky Sports yesterday.

“A lot of the same players are there and they will come out over the next few weeks telling everyone they are buzzing again because the new manager has got them enthralled and enthused about playing football again.

“But they are a bit of a shower, I think. I watched them at Old Trafford and I don’t think they are a good set of players, full stop.

“The next manager will come in and they might get out of it, they might not… Who knows?”